The '''Hexapsalmos''' are a group of six psalms, composed of two triads; beginning with Psalm 3, 37, 52 and ending with Psalm 87, 102, 142. These area read after the dismissal of the Mesonyktikon or [[Nocturne]] at the beginning of the [[Matins]] service.

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The '''Hexapsalmos''' (or '''Six Psalms''') are a group of six [[psalm]]s composed of two triads, beginning with Psalm 3, 37, 52 and ending with Psalm 87, 102, 142, read during the [[Matins]] service. These are read after the dismissal of the [[Midnight Office]] at the beginning of the [[Matins]] service. Traditionally, they are read by the [[bishop]] or [[superior]] of the community, who may elect to delegate them to a reader.

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The monastic tradition of [[Mount Athos]] informs us that the duration it takes to read the '''Hexapsalmos''' is what they believe it will take for Christ to "judge" all of humanity at the final judgement. If a monk walks into church as the Hexapsalmos is read, they are expected to stop where they are and not move until the entire reading has been completed.

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There is a tradition that the duration it takes to read the Hexapsalmos is the time will take for [[Christ]] to judge all of humanity at the [[Last Judgment]]. If a monk walks into church as the Hexapsalmos is read, he is expected to stop where he is and not move until the entire reading has been completed.

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During the Hexapsalmos, the Priest comes into the holy Sanctuary, and standing before the Holy Table makes the ekphonesis with reverence and the fear of God, ''Blessed is our God''; the Reader says the Trisagion; the Priest, the ''For Thine is the kingdom''; the Reader, the troparia ''Save, O Lord, Thy people'', ''Glory...'', ''Thou who wast lifted up on the Cross, Both now, Awesome protection, the Priest, Have mercy on us, O God etc.'', the ending, ''For Thou art a merciful God…'' and the Reader, ''In the name of the Lord, Father, bless; the Priest, Glory to the Holy and Consubstantial…,'' etc., the Proïstamenos says the Hexapsalmos with compunction while the people listen in total silence and reverence.

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If Matins is aggregated with other services, the beginning of Matins may be performed quietly by the [[clergy]] during the Hexapsalmos.

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The Hexapsalmos are never left out, save the Week of New Creation and the day of the leave-taking of Pascha.

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The Hexapsalmos are never omitted except during [[Bright Week]] and on the [[apodosis|leave-taking]] of [[Pascha]].

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Psalms 3 is read for the "Help for the Afflicted"

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[[Category:Scripture]]

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Psalms 37 is a psalm of repentance.

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[[Category:Liturgics]]

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Psalm 62

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Psalms 87 (is a remembrance of the Darkness of death.

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Psalms 102 is a praise for mercy and for the Angelic hosts.

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In Psalm 142 we wait in darkness for the Light.

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== See also ==

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* [[Orthros]]

Revision as of 21:48, June 14, 2008

The Hexapsalmos (or Six Psalms) are a group of six psalms composed of two triads, beginning with Psalm 3, 37, 52 and ending with Psalm 87, 102, 142, read during the Matins service. These are read after the dismissal of the Midnight Office at the beginning of the Matins service. Traditionally, they are read by the bishop or superior of the community, who may elect to delegate them to a reader.

There is a tradition that the duration it takes to read the Hexapsalmos is the time will take for Christ to judge all of humanity at the Last Judgment. If a monk walks into church as the Hexapsalmos is read, he is expected to stop where he is and not move until the entire reading has been completed.

If Matins is aggregated with other services, the beginning of Matins may be performed quietly by the clergy during the Hexapsalmos.